The left side wins overall because the landing approach into RKV on the left delivers the most dramatic and unique scenery of the flight — Mount Esja, Faxaflói Bay, and Reykjavik together. The takeoff right-side advantage over Surrey is pleasant but relatively ordinary compared to the Icelandic arrival.
Flown LGW to RKV? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Reykjavik is 1,193 miles (1,919 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The flight tracks northwest over the Irish Sea and northern Scotland, then crosses the North Atlantic. Passengers may see the Scottish Highlands and Orkney Islands early on, followed by a long ocean crossing. Approaching Iceland, the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic lava fields and coastal cliffs become visible, with the Reykjanes Ridge submarine volcanic zone running beneath the flight path.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTGatwick typically departs northbound on runway 26L/08R or uses runway 26R heading west. On a northwest-bound departure toward Iceland, the right side gives views over the North Downs and Surrey Hills before the aircraft tracks northwest over the Home Counties. The left side faces south toward the Weald, which is less interesting.
Landing at RKV
LEFTReykjavik domestic airport RKV sits on the western edge of the city. Arriving from the southeast, aircraft typically approach from the east or northeast over Faxaflói Bay. The left side gives views over Reykjavik city, the harbour, and Mount Esja across the bay, while the right side faces inland toward the lava fields.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Reykjavik (RKV)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Reykjavik. The left side wins overall because the landing approach into RKV on the left delivers the most dramatic and unique scenery of the flight — Mount Esja, Faxaflói Bay, and Reykjavik together. The takeoff right-side advantage over Surrey is pleasant but relatively ordinary compared to the Icelandic arrival.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Gatwick typically departs northbound on runway 26L/08R or uses runway 26R heading west. On a northwest-bound departure toward Iceland, the right side gives views over the North Downs and Surrey Hills before the aircraft tracks northwest over the Home Counties. The left side faces south toward the Weald, which is less interesting. Notable sights include: Surrey Hills and North Downs escarpment, Greater London sprawl to the north, the Thames snaking east toward the estuary, Heathrow Airport visible to the northwest.
What can I see when landing at Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
When landing at Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Reykjavik domestic airport RKV sits on the western edge of the city. Arriving from the southeast, aircraft typically approach from the east or northeast over Faxaflói Bay. The left side gives views over Reykjavik city, the harbour, and Mount Esja across the bay, while the right side faces inland toward the lava fields. Notable sights include: Mount Esja (914m) across Faxaflói Bay, Reykjavik city centre and harbour, Hallgrímskirkja church tower visible in the urban grid, Faxaflói Bay itself.
How long is the flight from London to Reykjavik?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Reykjavik (RKV) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,193 miles (1,919 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Reykjavik flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over the Irish Sea and northern Scotland, then crosses the North Atlantic. Passengers may see the Scottish Highlands and Orkney Islands early on, followed by a long ocean crossing. Approaching Iceland, the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic lava fields and coastal cliffs become visible, with the Reykjanes Ridge submarine volcanic zone running beneath the flight path.